Afgooye (Raxanreeb Online) — In a deeply unsettling development from southern Somalia, Senior Commander Nuur Farey, a respected figure within the Somali National Army, has been shot and killed in what appears to be a targeted attack. Commander Farey led the 14th October Brigade—an elite unit at the forefront of the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The incident occurred in the village of Cadow Dibile, situated between Afgooye and Laanta Buure in the Lower Shabelle region. According to eyewitness accounts, the commander was ambushed by an individual wearing a military uniform, who reportedly opened fire from within a residential structure near the area.

Commander Nuur Farey was known not only for his tactical leadership but also for his relentless pursuit of stability in one of Somalia’s most volatile regions. His name had become synonymous with the army’s offensive campaigns against Al-Shabaab, especially in the south.

Sources indicate that, at the moment of the attack, Commander Farey was preparing to address a group of soldiers stationed in the area—troops believed to be mobilizing for an operation.

At this point, it remains unclear whether the assailant was a rogue soldier or a militant infiltrator disguised in army fatigues. What is known, however, is that the attacker was killed shortly after the shooting, likely by soldiers in the vicinity.

This tragic loss raises renewed questions about security breaches within military ranks and the persistent threat posed by sleeper agents and infiltration tactics. It is also a stark reminder of the immense risks faced by Somali officers who stand on the frontlines of the country’s long struggle against violent extremism.